By Ron Jumper
It is time for our second installment of bowl picks, with 14 game breakdowns here. So far, the Mountain West has clearly stolen the show. We knew about TCU, BYU, and Utah but what about Wyoming? The Cowboys took down Fresno State straight up as an 11-point dog, starting the 3-game win streak for the MWC this bowl season. BYU and Utah were both underdogs in their matchups as well, against the supposedly improving Pac-10.
I’ve said for a long time that the Mountain West was becoming a legitimate conference, even as far back as 2006 I compared the conferences (outside of USC) and didn’t feel the gap was that wide. Now, I would say that the top half of the Mountain West is obviously as good as the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac-10 but not quite yet ready to be compared to the SEC. The problem is the bottom half, as Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, and UNLV have been underwhelming. With just nine teams in the MWC, why not go grab Boise State, Fresno State, and Nevada then become a real conference? Stop and think about it, if that had been the case this season that would have been a very strong conference. If you are bored at the house around the holidays, stack up those teams 1-12 then lay it side by side with the other BCS conferences. How far is the gap? Is there even one at all?
Ohio (-3) covers vs. Marshall
The Bobcats are underrated and catch the Herd without a head coach.
Pitt (-1.5) covers vs. UNC
In the end, Dion Lewis is the difference because both teams have a good defense and veteran quarterback.
USC (-7) covers vs. Boston College
I have little faith in the Eagles passing game to make plays here.
Kentucky (+7.5) covers vs. Clemson
Tigers routinely disappoint this time of year, SEC doesn’t.
Georgia (-7) covers vs. Texas A&M
Bulldogs defense will lock down Jerrod Johnson, Aggies passing attack. Expect Georgia to keep the ball on the ground and grind out an ol’ fashioned victory.
UCLA (-4) covers vs. Temple
Congrats to the Owls on their season, but lets keep it real here. The MAC isn’t ready to compete with the big boys just yet, outside of maybe Central Michigan
Miami (-3) covers vs. Wisconsin
Hurricanes have speed, speed, and more speed. Bad news for Badgers…
Idaho (+2) covers vs. Bowling Green
FYI, this game is in Idaho…
Nebraska (+2) covers vs. Arizona
Cornhuskers D eats ‘Zona alive, Roy Helu provides just enough offense on the ground.
Air Force (+4) covers vs. Houston
The Falcons have the top pass defense in the country. While the Cougars will have plenty of time to prepare for the triple option, they struggle mightily to stop the run.
Oklahoma (-9.5) covers vs. Stanford
Sooners have been rough at times this season but, since Stanford won’t have QB Andrew
Missouri (-6.5) covers vs. Navy
Tigers have flown under the radar all season, but keep your eye on Danario Alexander.
Iowa State (+2.5) covers vs. Minnesota
Cyclones survive battle of mediocre BCS teams, doesn’t appear WR Eric Decker will go in this one.
Virginia Tech (-4.5) covers vs. Tennessee
I hate to pick against the SEC, but Vols haven’t instilled much confidence…
Tags: Bowl Picks, Ron